A recent survey conducted by the AD reveals that ordering two non-alcoholic beers in the Netherlands can cost as much as €13.20. This high price is due to a combination of factors, including the complex and expensive brewing process for non-alcoholic beers, and the imposition of a sugar tax on these beverages.

The survey found that the price difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers is minimal, with the latter sometimes costing even more. Popular non-alcoholic beers like Heineken 0.0 or Jever Fun typically range from €3.5 to €4 in cafes.

Specialty non-alcoholic beers, such as Paulaner 0.0 and La Trappe Epos, can cost between €4 and €6. Smaller breweries tend to charge even higher prices for their non-alcoholic offerings, averaging between €5 and €7.

The production of beer with little to no alcohol is a complicated and costly endeavor, requiring specialized yeast and machinery. While non-alcoholic beer benefits from a lower VAT rate, it is subject to a separate tax, the sugar tax, which was significantly increased last year from 9% to 26%. This tax hike has contributed to the near convergence of prices between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer options in the Netherlands.